This dip is elegant enough for a garden party and easy enough to make for a quick snack. It’s great with pita chips, as a finger sandwich spread, on top of a salad or just eaten as a side dish with any meal. Dress it up or down, it’s a fun dish no matter how you enjoy it.

½ cup low fat plain or vanilla yogurt
½ cup pineapple, cut-up
2 Tbsp non-fat mayo
½ tsp nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a glass bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. Chill for an hour or longer.
3. Serve it up in an island-themed dish, such as a coconut shell, decorative seashell dish or glass bowl.

Health Benefits:
Low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, low in calories and low in sodium, this dip is nutrient rich and tasty. Pineapple is high in Vitamin C, B1, manganese, fiber and contains bromelain, believed to provide anti-inflammatory properties and promote healthy digestion. Yogurt provides healthy bacteria that keep your digestive system healthy. Nutmeg is excellent for destroying unhealthy bacteria in the mouth, primarily the cause of decay and gum disease. A natural relaxant, nutmeg provides heart benefits, helps to alleviate stomach ailments and has been shown to inhibit an enzyme in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer’s Disease.

This is a tasty pudding that can be enjoyed morning, noon or night. It’s quick and easy to make, so you can have a healthy snack in just minutes. Increase the ingredients and serve it to your guests, they’ll find it hard to resist as this lovely dish will leave them with a lasting impression.

1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup raspberries
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey
Add walnuts on top

Directions:

1. Raspberries can be cooked with a squeeze of lemon juice in microwave if preferred.
2. Blend rest of ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Add raspberries and blend until mixed in.
4. Spoon into individual bowls and top with walnuts.

Health Benefits:
Yogurt provides healthy live cultures that aid the digestive system and it is a good source of calcium. Low in calories, low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol and low in sodium. Raspberries are packed with phytonutrient antioxidants and are rich in Vitamin C. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar and is high in calcium, iron and fiber.

I love this oatmeal; it is one of my favorites. Add the raisins and the apples for all the benefits of a rounded meal. You can serve it with a couple slices of turkey sausage or egg whites to boost your protein to keep you satisfied until your next meal.

1 cup dry oatmeal
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 almond milk
1 tsp honey
1 small apple, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Directions:

1. Cook oatmeal as directed on package.
2. Add apples while oatmeal is cooking.
3. Add almond milk.
4. Add raisins.
5. Pour into bowl and top with honey.

Health Benefits:
Oatmeal provides soluble and insoluble fiber for heart health and bowel benefits. It helps to regulate cholesterol while improving digestion. Adding almond milk gives it that creamy taste and texture along with the calcium and Vitamin D, but without any saturated fat, cholesterol or lactose normally associated with cow’s milk. Raisins are a good source of iron and honey gives flavor and helps to metabolize fat.

Just like that romantic song by Bobby Vinton, this pudding will put a smile on your face. That’s because it is a tasty dessert treat that’s low in calories and saturated fat. It is so pretty that you will want to make enough to share with family or friends.

1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup blueberries, divided
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey
2 tsp walnuts for topping

Directions:

1. Set aside ½ cup of blueberries
2. Blend rest of ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Spoon into individual bowls and top with whole blueberries and walnuts.

Health Benefits:
Yogurt provides healthy live cultures that aid the digestive system and it is a good source of calcium. Low in calories, low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol and low in sodium. Blueberries are packed with phytonutrient antioxidants and rich in Vitamin C. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar and is high in calcium, iron and fiber.

Enjoy this healthy grain as a side for lunch or dinner. It makes a great snack when you add some golden raisins. It’s all in the presentation, so for a real treat, serve it up in mini dessert bowls, or scoop it up into a perfect petite mold and add a mint leaf or a few tiny pieces of carrots as garnish along with the pine nuts.

1 package orzo
1/4 cup parsley, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper
Pine nuts
Lemon juice

Directions:

1. Cook pasta.
2. Add all ingredients and top with pine nuts.
3. Optional grated cheese on top.

Health Benefits:
Low in saturated fat, low in cholesterol, low in sodium, low in sugar and low in calories, a good source of fiber, along with the pine nuts, which are packed with protein.